Ashley Woodburn joined Aspiring Youth Academy (AYA) as Program Manager with over a decade of experience in youth development, program coordination, public affairs, and community engagement. In her current role, she leads efforts to create equitable opportunities for youth and teens—particularly those from underserved communities and Title I schools—through curriculum advancement, educating future entrepreneurs in partnership with ASU’s Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, AYA’s Innovation Camp, the Teen Mentors Program, and exposure to community and new experiences through monthly Innovator Circle Events.

Before joining Aspiring Youth Academy, Ashley served as Program Manager at Kids in Focus, where she led photography-based mentoring programs and built strong school and nonprofit partnerships across the Phoenix area. Originally from Colorado, Ashley worked at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Communications and Public Affairs, supporting executive-level programming that brought together leaders from government, industry, and education.

She began her career as a Corpsmember with Mile High Youth Corps through AmeriCorps, where she worked on Energy & Water Conservation projects. That formative experience helped shape her belief in the power of youth leadership, service, and hands-on skill-building.

In addition to her work in youth development, Ashley is a professional photographer and entrepreneur. She founded her own photography business and is passionate about how entrepreneurship can transform personal passion into sustainable, purpose-driven work—empowering and inspiring youth to see new possibilities for their futures. She also brings experience in fundraising and community engagement and is an active volunteer who recognizes that giving back and building community go hand in hand.

Ashley is excited to bring her energy and experience to Aspiring Youth Academy and is committed to helping young people discover their potential, develop essential skills, and become confident changemakers in their communities.